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WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS ANATOMY -
This section of the website discusses the anatomy of German badges. Getting an understanding of the elements of the badges and awards will enhance the ability the enthuisiast in determining the authenticity of a item. This information can also be helpful in establishing the age of the collectible.

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SECOND CLASS IRON CROSS

The Iron Cross Second Class was introduced on September 1st 1939. It was a basic copy of the WWI model with the exception that a Swastika was applied to the front.




The Iron Cross is perhaps the most recognizable German award of all times. During WWII it came in a variety of different types. The anatomy reviewed in this section if for the Second Class, which was widely distributed throughout the war.





The suspension ring of the Iron Cross can be stamped with the manufacturer's identification number.

Due to its three piece construction, the side of the Iron Cross will show a line where the pieces come together.

The Iron Cross is suspended from a ribbon.



IRON CROSS CONSTRUCTION
The front of the Iron Cross has a raised Swastika in the center. Just below the symbol is the date 1939. The back of the cross displays the date of 1813 in the bottom arm.

The Iron cross is manufactured of Iron.

The Iron Cross is constructed of three pieces. Two identical frames in the shape of the cross with the center being a third piece consisting of a solid, thin surface. The two frames are pushed together sandwhiching the center piece.

Because of the construction type, When the cross is turned on its side, a seam should be visible in the center of the arm. Sometimes it is hard to see but it is present.





FIRST CLASS IRON CROSS

The item featured here is a WWII German Iron Cross first class. The award was issued in a box with a certificate. Additional accoutrements such as ribbons could be obtained and were authorized for wear by the recipient of the award. The Iron Cross First Class was instituted on September 1st 1939.




IRON CROSS MARKINGS
Like many other German badges and awards, the Iron Cross could be found with a manufacturer's marking on the back.

The marking found is usually a number which is knwon as the LDO Number . This marking is stamped at the time of production and denotes the name of the company and its location.

In 1941 it was decided to create the Administration of German Orders Manufacturers ( deutschen Ordenhersteller), known as the LDO. Its main purpose was to control the production of medals and orders. The LDO was directed by the Fuhrer's Chancellery.

It is important to note that not all crosses were stamped. It is possible to find a Cross that has no markings whatsoever.



The pin is attached to a heavy duty hinge on one side.

A catch is soldered to the opposite side. This device secures the pin in the closed position.

The pin can marked on the inside or outside. Sometimes the pin is not marked at all.





If you have an interest is seeing other German military badges, you can do so by going to our German badges identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Luftwaffe and other organizations from various time periods.



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